Lord,

if you withdraw your hand, there is no grace.

If you cease to guide us, we have no wisdom.

If you no longer defend us, we have no courage.

If you do not strengthen us, our chastity is vulnerable.

If you do not keep a holy watch over us, our watchfulness cannot protect us.

By ourselves we sink, we perish; when you are with us, we are uplifted, we live.

We are shaky, you make us firm. We are lukewarm, you inflame us.